A 21-year-old actor, who made a spectacular Broadway debut in the latest revival of Les Miserables, died Friday after falling from a fire escape at his mother's New York City home, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Kyle Jean-Baptiste made history last month when he first appeared as an understudy in the lead role of Jean Valjean, a character from the 1862 novel who struggles after being imprisoned for stealing bread during an economic depression. He became "the youngest actor to appear on Broadway in the part and also the first African American," notes the news outlet.
"The entire Les Miserables family is shocked and devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Kyle, a remarkable young talent and tremendous person who made magic—and history—in his Broadway debut," the production said in a statement. "We send our deepest condolences to his family and ask that you respect their privacy in this unimaginably difficult time."
In one of his last tweets on Tuesday, the star noted that "Thursday is my last Valjean on Broadway. The ability to play this part on Broadway has been life changing," he tweeted Aug. 25.
https://twitter.com/BaptisteKyle/status/636195476606480385https://twitter.com/BaptisteKyle/status/636195743213162496
The rising star was invited to join the Broadway cast in May, a day after graduating with a degree in music theater from Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio, reports Cleveland.com.
After learning of his death, Baldwin Wallace University posted on Facebook that they were "incredibly saddened by the loss" of one of its students.
Rest in peace, Kyle.
Read more at the Hollywood Reporter and Cleveland.com.